Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

Kelty, from Boulder, Colorado, is one of the most famous and trusted companies in the outdoor gear market, specializing in tents, backpacks, and more. In fact, they were among the first companies to create and sell an external-frame backpack to non-military personnel in the United States, and their products are sold in huge outdoor outfitter chains such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports. Many outdoor gear enthusiasts feel like they can’t go wrong with a Kelty product. Do their trekking poles hold up to their reputation? Read on to find out more!

The Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are among the higher-end trekking poles offered by the company. They boast a number of excellent features, including a unique internal anti-shock system, padded wrist strap, non-slip carbide tip, a combination cork and EVA foam grip, twist-lock mechanism for adjusting the length of the poles, and more. Some of the component parts of the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are replaceable, including the tips, and there are a number of additional accessories, such as baskets, which are available for purchase. With an aluminum design, the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are a couple of ounces heavier than some carbon fiber options, coming in at about 10 ounces each.

Reviewers generally agree that, for many purposes, the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are among the better options on the market. Several reviewers specifically recommend the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles for first-time trekking pole buyers, as they are affordable but well-built enough to give you a real taste of what trekking poles are all about. A wide variety of different kinds of users say that the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are excellent for hiking, snowshoeing, light skiing, and more.

Many people also reported satisfaction with Kelty’s customer service. This might not be given the importance it’s due – especially in a field where accidents are always possible, but a well-supported customer service product can really make or break your experience. The Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are by no means the most indestructible poles out there – a significant number of people describe experiences they’ve had with the poles breaking, occasionally within their first couple of expeditions. However, it is unanimously agreed that Kelty has an excellent customer service department, and that the Kelty One-Year Limited Warranty is a highly useful thing to have access to. Given the fact that those initial sorts of accidents are often one-off problems with the specific set of trekking poles customers have received, getting your poles replaced can often solve the problem entirely.

That said, it’s worth noting that more than a few purchasers of the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles did indeed have trouble with them. Several report that the poles snapped on one of the very first outings they went on. On the other hand, many customers say that the poles have lasted them through a wide variety of hikes of different intensities. All agree that the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are not the highest-quality poles in existence. That’s for good reason: the Kelty trekking poles are a good deal less expensive than the most advanced trekking poles on the market.

Similarly, some people felt that the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are a bit on the heavy and clunky side. Although the difference is only one of a couple of ounces, when you’re holding and repeatedly lifting these poles for hours and hours on end, across otherwise strenuous terrain, a couple of ounces can make a substantial difference.

For many intents and purposes, though, reviewers agree that the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are extremely suitable for their needs, especially those reviewers that trust Kelty. It’s worth noting alongside the customer service aspect that many people feel that a relationship with Kelty has made their lives a good deal better. Given that these poles are so comparable to so many other models of trekking pole, they may be the best choice for you if you have any attachment to Kelty.

Most of the most enthusiastic reviewers of this product are using it for lighter hikes and excursions – long walks through the neighborhood, moderate backpacking, and so on. If you’re interested in this kind of trekking, and have any sort of attachment to Kelty, it seems clear to this reviewer that the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles might well be your best bet. However, if you’re in the market for something sturdier or more broadly functional, it honestly might be worthwhile to look into a few alternatives. That said, the Kelty Range 2.0 Trekking Poles are by no means a bad choice, and they will probably suit you just fine, especially if you’re a first-time purchaser of trekking poles.

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About The Author

Kevin Smith is a hiking gear contributor at Hiking Ambition. Kevin enjoys hiking and reviewing awesome gear. Kevin is based in Los Angeles, CA and spends his free time watching movies and shouting at the Los Angeles Lakers through screens of various sizes.